Chouf Mountains: Mousa & Mir Amin Castles Tour
Mount Lebanon Governorate, Beirut
Lebanon Mountains: Mousa Castle, Arez Barouk Forest, Deir El Kamar & Mir Amin Castle Tour
Overview
This full-day tour explores Deir El Kamar, Moussa Castle, Kfarhim Grotto, Barouk Cedars, and Mir Amin Palace in Lebanon’s Shouf Mountains, ideal for history and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Explore the historic Deir El Kamar village
- Tour Moussa Castle and Kfarhim Grotto
- Hike through Barouk Cedars and visit Mir Amin Palace
Description
Begin in Deir El Kamar, the former capital of the Mount Lebanon Emirate and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk its cobblestone streets, admire traditional stone houses, and visit the main square with its mosque, church, and synagogue, reflecting Lebanon’s religious heritage.
Next, visit Moussa Castle, built over 60 years by Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari. The medieval-style castle includes a museum with wax figures of 19th-century village life and a collection of antique weapons and artifacts.
Continue to Kfarhim Grotto, a natural cave system discovered in 1974. The grotto features waterfalls, stalactites, and stalagmites formed over millions of years. A guided tour reveals its geological significance and maintains a cool temperature of 18–20°C year-round.
Drive to the Barouk Cedars Forest within Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Lebanon’s largest protected area. Walk among ancient Cedrus libani trees and enjoy panoramic mountain views along hiking trails.
End the tour at Mir Amin Palace in Beiteddine, an early 19th-century architectural landmark built by Emir Bashir Shihab II for his son. The palace features cedar wood engravings, courtyards, and views over nearby valleys and Beiteddine Palace.
Includes
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Entrance fees to listed sites (some may be excluded)
- Wi-Fi onboard the vehicle
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- All fees and taxes
Excludes
- Lunch and meals not specified
- Optional entrance fees to some attractions
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Tips or gratuities for guide and driver
- Travel insurance
Important Information
- Pickup is available from hotels, apartments, and Beirut airport; contact to arrange details
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, bring comfortable walking shoes, water, and season-appropriate clothing. Morning departures are recommended to avoid afternoon heat.
